Best RJ Pole Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 15 - Companion to Episode #109 All Foliage - Living Green- J Schwanke's Life in Bloom 35:13

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9h ago35:13

35:13

Teaser: I’ve got a real affinity for Foliage and Plants… I learned to improve my Green Thumb when it comes to Plants… and I’ll share how to install a Green Wall Planter… With this Companion podcast to Episode #109 All Foliage - Living Green- We’ll visit the Fern Capital of the World- and make some foliage wrapping paper… I’m really excited to share…

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121: Varied Thrush - The Lone Forest Dweller AND The Occasional Vagrant 33:52

2h ago33:52

33:52

This week we’re diving into a fascinating forest bird—the Varied Thrush. If you’ve ever wandered through the deep, mossy conifer forests of the Pacific Northwest, you might’ve heard their haunting, single-note whistles echoing through the understory. These birds are usually right at home along the West Coast, from Alaska down through northern Calif…

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120: Mourning Dove Revisited 26:01

4h ago26:01

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Happy Thanksgiving from Birds of a Feather Talk Together! We’re taking the week off for the holiday, but we didn’t want to leave you bird-less—so we’re re-sharing one of our favorite episodes, all about the mourning dove, one of North America’s most familiar and fascinating backyard birds. Fun fact: mourning doves can store an unbelievable amount o…

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Episode 14 - Companion to J Schwanke's Life in Bloom #108 Flower Power 38:19

6h ago38:19

38:19

Today on Behind the Bloom, RJ and I dive into the vibrant world of Flower Power—our companion podcast to Episode #108, “Flower Power!” If you’re looking for more joy, positivity, and inspiration in your life, this episode is blooming with it. I’ll show you how to “Petal It Forward” with flowers, share my favorite fundraiser—the Flower Power Challen…

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119: Spoon-billed Sandpiper - One Of The Rarest Birds On Earth - Story of Convergence 32:37

14d ago32:37

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This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re exploring one of the rarest, most extraordinary birds on the planet: the spoon-billed sandpiper—a tiny shorebird with one of nature’s most fascinating evolutionary surprises. If you caught our recent YouTube video where John compared a Roseate Spoonbill at the Field Museum to the delicate spoon-b…

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Episode 13 - Companion 107 - Out on a Limb with Flowers and Fruit 34:10

14d ago34:10

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Join J Schwanke and RJ Pole as we go “Out on a Limb” with flowers and fruit in this companion podcast to Episode #107 of J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom—“Out on a Limb with Flowers and Fruit.” In this episode, we explore creative, unexpected ways to combine fresh flowers and seasonal fruit in your home décor and DIY projects. We’ll show you how to arran…

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118: Golden Eagle - One of the largest and fastest raptors in North America 35:21

14d ago35:21

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The Golden Eagle — one of North America’s largest, fastest, and most powerful raptors — takes center stage in this week’s episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together! Married ornithologists Dr. John Bates and Dr. Shannon Hackett from Chicago’s Field Museum join hosts RJ Pole and Amanda Pole, who recently spotted Golden Eagles during their honeymoon…

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Episode 12 - Companion 106- Tulips- Year Round Spring 46:27

22d ago46:27

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Today on Behind the Bloom- we’re Talking Tulips and Episode 106 - Tulips- year round spring… I’ll share about my Friend, and tulip expert - Lane DeVries - and we’ll learn about Tulips from both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. Of course I have Tulip arranging tips and I’ll explain why Tulips are the EASIEST flower to Arrange… Tulips aren’t jus…

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117: Palm-nut Vulture - A Vulture Unlike Any Other! 35:54

29d ago35:54

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Welcome back to Birds of a Feather Talk Together. Hosted by ornithologists and curators of birds at the Field Museum John Bates and Shannon Hackett, who are married, and also new birders RJ and Amanda Pole. Today we’re focusing on a fascinating species — the palm-nut vulture. This is a bird John has been eager to highlight, and once you learn more …

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Episode 11 - Celebrate Autumn with Flowers - Behind the Bloom with J Schwanke and RJ Pole 30:04

29d ago30:04

30:04

Fall is my favorite time of the year… and I love celebrating Autumn with Flowers… We’ve dedicated a Life in Bloom Episode to Autumn decorating- as well as many more Video projects on uBloom.com. Fall is a perfect time to decorate with flowers - including Thanksgiving, of course! My Grandpa, Carnation Joe, was born on Thanksgiving… so I have plenty …

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116: Common Loon - An Eerie and Beautiful Call - Listener Request! 1:01:36

28d ago1:01:36

1:01:36

That echoing, haunting call drifting across a northern lake at dusk — few sounds in nature are as unforgettable as the common loon. In this listener-requested episode, RJ, John, Shannon, and Amanda dive into the world of these striking waterbirds. From their red eyes and black-and-white plumage to their incredible diving and parenting skills, loons…

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Episode 10 - Companion 105 - Succulents - The “Not Quite” Flowers 32:29

1M ago32:29

32:29

Today on Behind the Bloom- RJ and I will be digging into the World of Succulents…The “not quite” flowers- and the subject of Episode 105 of “J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom” - We visit Succulents Gardens… an incredible resource in Mid-coast California. I’ll share memories behind this fun - and craft filled episode featuring the Echeveria- let’s get goin…

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Episode 9 - Boo-quets for Halloween - with J Schwanke and RJ Pole 33:56

1M ago33:56

33:56

In this Halloween-themed episode of Behind the Bloom, J Schwanke and RJ Pole dive into the spooky side of flowers! 🌸👻 Discover creative ways to celebrate Halloween with floral design, hauntingly beautiful “Boo-quets,” and festive flower decor ideas that bring seasonal magic to your home. J shares his favorite Halloween flower arrangements and decor…

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115: Downy Woodpecker and Hairy Woodpecker 1:00:00

1M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Welcome back to Birds of a Feather Talk Together, the podcast where bird lovers flock to learn more about the amazing world of birds! In this episode, we’re diving into two of North America’s most look-alike woodpeckers — the Downy Woodpecker and the Hairy Woodpecker. Whether you’re a new bird watcher trying to tell these two apart, or an experienc…

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Episode 8 - Companion Podcast to Episode 104: Carnations, Family & Flowers 43:48

2M ago43:48

43:48

Welcome back to Behind The Bloom Podcast! I’m J Schwanke, and this week RJ and I are bringing you another companion episode — this time revisiting Season One, Episode 104: Carnations, Family & Flowers. This one is especially close to my heart, because it shares the story of my own family’s floral history. As a fourth-generation florist, I’ve got de…

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114: The Feather Thief with Kirk Wallace Johnson - Revisited 1:21:53

2M ago1:21:53

1:21:53

Welcome back to Birds of a Feather Talk Together! We’re taking a short break this week, but we’ve got something special lined up for you. While we gear up for upcoming episodes on Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers—and even a deep dive into the mysterious world of loons—we’re revisiting one of our most popular interviews from last year. In this replay, yo…

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Episode 7 - “Flowers from YOU” - Flower Photos - and Share Your Schwankies Sweepstakes 42:52

2M ago42:52

42:52

Today’s episode is all about my favorite part of the show—Flowers from YOU! This highlights the beautiful arrangements created by our viewers. I’ll share the history, the names we considered, how it moved me personally, and why it’s such a special part of Life in Bloom. We’ll also dive into how the nickname “Schwankies” came to be—and more—in this …

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113: Kirtland's Warbler Revisited 37:44

2M ago37:44

37:44

This week we’re revisiting one of our older episodes all about the Kirtland’s warbler. If you caught our interview with Peter Kaestner (episode 98), you might remember that he almost went birding on the morning of his wedding just to see this bird—so if Peter was that excited, you know it’s going to be a good one. The Kirtland’s warbler has a fasci…

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Episode 6 - Companion Podcast to Episode 103 - The Romance of Flowers 38:42

2M ago38:42

38:42

Hi friends, and welcome back to Behind The Bloom Podcast! I’m J Schwanke, and this week’s episode is a very special companion to Season One, Episode 103 of Life In Bloom —The Romance of Flowers. In that episode, I visited a beautiful rose grower in California, enjoyed a flower-inspired cocktail hour, and shared so many wonderful stories about the t…

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112: Brown-headed Cowbird Revisited - Laying Eggs In Other Birds' Nests! 32:14

2M ago32:14

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We’re revisiting our episode on the brown-headed cowbird, and trust me, this one’s a wild ride. Did you know cowbirds don’t build their own nests, but instead lay their eggs in other birds’ nests and let them do the parenting? Even birds that aren’t even close in size will get stuck raising the chicks of a brown-headed cowbird. Hosts John Bates, Sh…

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Episode 5 - RJ's Experience on Set for an Episode of J Schwanke's Life In Bloom 36:01

2M ago36:01

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Welcome back to Behind The Bloom Podcast with J Schwanke and RJ Pole! In this episode, listeners get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the filming of Life In Bloom with host and celebrity florist J Schwanke. Co-host RJ Pole joined J on set to experience the creative process firsthand—and even stepped in front of the camera to share his passion…

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111: Project Phoenix with Olivia Sanderfoot and Allison Shultz - How Wildfires Are Impacting Birds 1:22:11

3M ago1:22:11

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This week we’re excited to welcome two special guests—Olivia Sanderfoot and Allison Shultz—to talk about Project Phoenix. This important project is exploring how wildfire smoke impacts birds on the West Coast, and what that means for their survival in a rapidly warming world. Understanding these effects is critical for shaping conservation strategi…

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Episode 4 - Companion Podcast to Episode 102 - Life in Bloom - Protea- Long Term Beauty 35:20

3M ago35:20

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This week on Behind The Bloom Podcast, we’re revisiting Life In Bloom Episode 102 — Protea: Long Term Beauty. Protea are truly unlike any other flower—prehistoric, unique, and nearly 300 million years old. I’ll take you behind the scenes of our visit to Resendiz Brothers Protea Farm in Fallbrook, CA, where we filmed among breathtaking fields and co…

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110: Red-headed Woodpecker - Catching Bugs Out Of The Sky + Paddleboard Sightings 43:27

3M ago43:27

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Everyone loves woodpeckers, and the Red-headed Woodpecker is one of the coolest! Listen to what makes this bird unique, like hiding grasshoppers in trees to eat later (while they are still alive.) RJ also tells some paddleboarding mishaps, and talks about some molting mallards that he saw recently. Join RJ, Amanda, John, and Shannon this week to ta…

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Episode 3 - J's Favorite Tip - Cold Water! 32:52

3M ago32:52

32:52

This week we’re tackling one of the most common questions I get asked: How do you make your flowers last longer? There are so many myths out there, but I’m here to set the record straight with tips from my book Bloom 365. We’ll dig into one of my favorite tips — Cold Water! I’ll explain why cold water is a flower’s best friend, and why you should d…

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109: Olive-sided Flycatcher - John Makes His Case For His Favorite Bird! 36:37

3M ago36:37

36:37

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, John takes the lead with his pick: the Olive-sided Flycatcher. Despite traveling the world and spotting hundreds of bird species, this flycatcher still holds a special place on his list of favorites. But not everyone agrees—his co-host (and wife) Shannon, also an ornithologist, isn’t convinced it’s suc…

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Episode 2 - Companion Podcast to Episode 101 - Life in Bloom - The Pilot! 43:06

3M ago43:06

43:06

This week on Behind The Bloom Podcast, I’m taking you all the way back to the very beginning — Life In Bloom Episode 101. We’ll revisit where it all started: the inspiration, the creation, and the mission behind the show. What does it really mean to live a Life In Bloom? I’ll share some behind-the-scenes stories from that very first day of filming.…

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Episode 1 - Where to Get Flowers- and Make them Last Longer! 36:39

3M ago36:39

36:39

This week on Behind The Bloom Podcast…I’m excited to share a little more about my flower world with all of you. I’ll be talking about how I first fell in love with flowers, the inspiration behind my show Life In Bloom, as well as break down what you can expect on our podcast. I’ll also be diving into my books, Bloom 365 and Fun With Flowers. In fac…

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Introducing: Behind The Bloom Podcast! 2:18

3M ago2:18

2:18

Here is a teaser for the upcoming podcast: Behind The Bloom with J Schwanke and RJ Pole! Join J Schwanke and RJ Pole as they dig deeper into J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom—the beloved PBS and Create TV show all about flowers. J, a 4th-generation florist (literally born at a flower convention!), is a natural storyteller who shares his lifelong passion f…

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108: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - Cute Bird With A Ton Of Personality! 38:07

3M ago38:07

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Welcome back to Birds of a Feather Talk Together! This week, the full crew—John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Pole—are back to highlight one of North America’s tiniest and most charming songbirds: the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. It’s Amanda’s pick this week, and she’s sharing why this lively little bird is one of her absolute favorites. If…

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107: Club-winged Manakin - Making Robot Noises with its Feathers 50:09

3M ago50:09

50:09

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, it’s Shannon’s turn to pick the bird—and she’s chosen one of the wildest species on the planet: the club-winged manakin. If you’ve never heard of this bird, do yourself a favor right now—stop what you’re doing and google it. Trust us, you’ll be amazed. The club-winged manakin doesn’t sing with its voic…

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106: Kingfishers Around The World with Jenna Mccullough 33:07

4M ago33:07

33:07

In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we welcome back Jenna McCullough, a third-generation birdwatcher from Boise, Idaho, with a PhD in Biology from the University of New Mexico. Currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Kentucky and soon to begin a prestigious National Science Foundation fellowship at the Natural Hist…

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105: Mailbag Episode! Birds On The Side Of The Road in Florida, and Sparrows in Pennsylvania 24:49

4M ago24:49

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In this fun and fan-fueled episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're diving into the mailbag to answer your burning bird questions! It's our usual hosts, married ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett, and married birding enthusiasts RJ and Amanda Pole. First up: What’s the deal with all those birds hanging out in roadside water in …

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104: Guam Kingfisher with Jenna Mccullough 43:04

4M ago43:04

43:04

In this week’s episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re thrilled to welcome ornithologist Jenna McCullough to the show for a deep dive into one of the most endangered birds on the planet: the Guam Kingfisher. Once extinct in the wild, this striking bird—known for its bold colors and elusive nature—has become a powerful symbol of conservat…

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103: Inca Tern - Plus we talk about John's trip to Peru! 45:09

4M ago45:09

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This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, John is back from his unforgettable trip to Peru, and we’ve got plenty to talk about! From the incredible bird species he encountered to the vibrant landscapes, John shares highlights and stories from his adventure. We also dive into one of the most distinctive birds of the region — the Inca Tern — fam…

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102: Laughing Kookaburras with Jenna Mccullough 38:14

4M ago38:14

38:14

In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re diving deep into the world of kookaburras, the iconic laughing bird of Australia, with ornithologist Jenna McCullough. Jenna is a third-generation birdwatcher from Boise, Idaho, with a PhD in Biology from the University of New Mexico. She’s currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Univers…

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101: Extremely Accurate Bird Songs with Tommy Siegel and Billy Libby 1:08:07

5M ago1:08:07

1:08:07

Get ready for the crossover event bird lovers can’t stop talking about! In this special episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we welcome the hilarious and musically gifted duo behind the Extremely Accurate Bird Songs Podcast—Tommy Siegel and Billy Libby. Join hosts John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as we: 🐦 Listen to …

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100: Kingfishers with Jenna Mccullough 48:54

5M ago48:54

48:54

Jenna Mccullough is a third generation birdwatcher from Boise, ID. She got her bachelors at the university of Idaho (2015); got her masters (2018) and PhD (2024) at the university of New Mexico. She's a postdoc at the university of Kentucky and about to start a National Science foundation fellowship at the natural history museum of Los Angeles Coun…

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99: Marcel Rochon Interview: The Healing Power of Nature and Birding 1:17:37

5M ago1:17:37

1:17:37

We’re joined by a fan of the show who reached out with a heartfelt letter that really moved us. Our guest, Marcel, is a passionate birder with a story that is truly touching. From being a world-class athlete to navigating the challenges of a severe brain injury, he found healing and meaning in nature and birding. We’ll start by sharing the touching…

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98: Peter Kaestner Interview - Seeing 10,000 Bird Species In The Wild! 1:34:04

5M ago1:34:04

1:34:04

This week, we have a truly special guest—Peter Kaestner, the first person in history to see over 10,000 bird species in the wild. It’s a mind-blowing achievement. Peter took us on an unforgettable journey through his life as a birder, and how his career as a diplomat allowed him to travel the globe. He shared incredible stories—like birding in Colo…

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97: Orange-tufted Spiderhunter 35:10

6M ago35:10

35:10

We’ve got a fun one for you this week as we get ready for a very special guest: Peter Kaestner—the first person to see 10,000 bird species in the wild. We speak to him next week. To prep for that epic conversation, we're taking a closer look at the bird that earned him that milestone: the Orange-tufted Spiderhunter. Spoiler alert—Amanda was not imp…

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96: Black-capped Chickadee - Cute Bird with a Mighty Brain 58:01

6M ago58:01

58:01

In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we dive deep into the fascinating world of the Black-capped Chickadee—one of North America's most beloved birds. Discover the secrets behind the chickadee's distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call, its remarkable memory, and how this tiny bird survives harsh winters with clever food-storing habits…

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95: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Revisited 35:45

6M ago35:45

35:45

In this episode of Birds of a Feather Podcast, we revisit one of our favorite past episodes all about the ruby-throated hummingbird—a truly fascinating and fast-flying species known for its shimmering feathers and incredible migration. Join hosts John Bates and Shannon Hackett, along with RJ Pole and Amanda Marquart, as we dive back into the world …

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94: Blackpoll Warbler Revisited - Epic Migration and More About Warblers 40:53

6M ago40:53

40:53

This week, we're revisiting a listener favorite all about Blackpoll Warblers—tiny birds with an absolutely epic migration. Whether you're new to warblers or already a seasoned birder, this episode is packed with fascinating facts and fresh insights. John and Shannon dive into what makes the Blackpoll Warbler’s journey so mind-blowing, and John give…

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93: Great Potoo, we also talk Prothonotary Warbler and Answer A Question on Robin's Eggs 51:48

7M ago51:48

51:48

This week, we dive into the weird and wonderful world of the Great Potoo—a mysterious nocturnal bird with haunting eyes and an even stranger call. Ever wondered why robin eggs are blue? We’ve got the answer! Plus, we spotlight one of North America’s most stunning songbirds: the Prothonotary Warbler, known for its brilliant yellow plumage and swampy…

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92: Wood Ducks: Nesting Behavior, Baby Ducklings & a Surprise Owl Sighting 1:03:39

7M ago1:03:39

1:03:39

In this nature-packed episode, we dive into the fascinating world of Wood Ducks—one of the most beautiful and iconic duck species in North America. Learn about their striking plumage, unique nesting habits, and the incredible moment when day-old ducklings leap from tree cavities to join their mother on the ground. We also share a recent encounter w…

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91: How NSF Budget Cuts Are Threatening U.S. Science – A Deep Dive with Ornithologists 31:18

7M ago31:18

31:18

In this timely and urgent episode, we explore the devastating impact of recent budget cuts and defunding of the National Science Foundation (NSF) on the U.S. scientific community. Originally planning to discuss Wood Ducks, our conversation quickly shifted to the broader crisis facing science in America today. Join married ornithologists John and Sh…

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90: American Dipper - Bird that Walks Under Water 48:40

7M ago48:40

48:40

This week we are talking about one of the coolest birds in North America: The American Dipper. This is a smaller nondescript bird that has learned and adapted how find food in some of the roughest river water imaginable. It can fly through waterfalls, withstand rushing currents, and to the eye just looks like a little gray songbird. John and Shanno…

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88: Spotted Towhee - Bright Red Eyes! 33:23

8M ago33:23

33:23

This week we talk about the Spotted Towhee. RJ and Amanda saw them on their trip to Sedona, and thought it would be a fun bird to learn more about. Hosted by John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart. Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to [email protected] Make sure to follow us…

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89: Red-Ruffed Fruitcrow 46:07

8M ago46:07

46:07

If you listened to our series on the Feather Thief, or read the book, you are familiar with the Red-ruffed fruitcrow. It was also called the Indian crow in the book. We wanted to follow up the series to talk more in depth about one of the birds that was mentioned so much, and it was pretty fascinating to learn more about this bird that actually has…